Recognise This! – Through recognition and gratitude, we have the opportunity every day to change how we and others experience the world.
Last week was our annual kickoff meeting, which we call Ignite. Every year, I leave the meeting with one compelling, driving thought: “Conquer the world!” I’m not exaggerating. I get fully re-energised by our leadership, my colleagues, and our customers to do everything I can to advanceour mission to move our industry forward by striving to become leaders in thought, innovation and global capability.
Why am I so motivated? What’s pushing me personally? Am I just drinking too much of the company Kool-aid?
I don’t think so. I am fired up by what we do, by what we offer to the world. It’s the opportunity to help other organisations and their employees feel as appreciated and valued for their work as I do. So I’m poised and ready to help conquer the world… but I quibble with the right preposition that comes next. Should it be “conquer the world for recognition” or “…with appreciation” or “…through gratitude?”
A minor nuance, sure, but important nevertheless.
- For recognition implies the end goal – where are we seeking to be when we’re done. To use a mountain climbing analogy, this would be us summiting Mt. Everest.
- With appreciation references the tools we will use to achieve our goal. In our Everest analogy, this would be camping and climbing gear we need to even attempt the summit.
- Through gratitude relates to the people we need to rely on to get to top. No one summits Everest alone.
So in the end, all of the prepositional phrases apply. Now that I see it spelled out, my desire to conquer the world for recognition, with appreciation and through gratitude is an example of my own exponential engagement, which is defined as having the right tools to get the job done, a great relationship with the team members needed to do the job, and deep belief in the greater mission and purpose of the work such that I am willing to go the extra mile.
Who’s with me? Are you ready to conquer the world and change how we perceive ourselves, our colleagues and our work? Will you take the first steps by sharing your appreciation and gratitude with the people you are with every day?
What fires you up?
